My girlfriend is interested in cycling so I'm trying to find her a suitable bike. She doesn't seem interested in mtn. biking and friends we would ride with have road bikes anyway. She is interested in riding on the street, gravel roads, pathways, etc. so I'm thinking a cyclocross bike is what I should look for; something that can handle a little offroad but can easily keep up with a group of casual road bikers.

She does want a bike with more of an upright stance so I'm looking at frames that align with the "The French Fit" according to the calculator at Competitive Cyclist:

She has an older back injury so in addition to the more upright fit, I was thinking of going steel. It should be a little more forgiving vs. aluminum. Cost is also a big issue. She can't afford it and I can't go crazy myself. This will be a surprise and I'm looking at the $500-700 range.

I came across this bike at Nashbar and thought it had a nice mix of component for the price. I have a Nashbar X aluminum frame (commuter) that I built and have been pleased with. I was wondering if anyone has any comments about this bike and what I want to use it for?

I can't tell you anything about the bike you posted but I am in the same boat as your girlfriend. I am looking for a bike that works well on the road, paved bike trails, and an occasional dirt trail (no sticks, roots etc). Several people have recommended a hybrid bike. Currently I am looking at a Jamis Coda Sport Femme - it has 21 speeds and the chromo steel frame that you mention. 2 steel framed bikes that I am considering are the Jamis Coda Sport femme (about 500-600) and the Giant ST W (steel bike - much cheaper at about $350)

Try posting the nashbar bike in the cyclecross or even the hybris forum for suggestions/recommendations.

10-21-11, 07:37 PM

rebel1916

It's steel with 105. Looks good for the price...

10-21-11, 08:08 PM

fietsbob

Your [ or her] back OK with reaching for drop, bars and brifters?
If not, there are a lot of decent bikes in bike shops
with straight and riser bars, and 700c wheels.